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Medication-Assisted Treatment
We’re Here to Help You through Recovery
At Silver Ridge, North Carolina, we understand that ending an addiction is a challenging journey. However, the benefits of recovery are worth the effort. Recovery brings greater mental clarity and purpose to your life, fostering healthy relationships and habits that improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program provides the support you need to overcome addiction and begin living a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Risk Factors for Addiction
Not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol will develop an addiction. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science, 23 percent of people who try heroin and 15 percent of those who try alcohol will develop an addiction.
Several factors influence the development of addiction, including:
- A family history of addiction
- A history of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse or being a victim or witness to violence
- Chronic stress
- Co-occurring mental illnesses like anxiety or depression
- Family dysfunction
- Lack of coping skills
Addiction can alter brain function, leading to dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using drugs or alcohol.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Substance dependence occurs as the brain adapts to the effects of drugs or alcohol. For instance, alcohol increases the neurotransmitter GABA (calmness) while suppressing glutamate (excitability). Over time, the brain compensates by adjusting neurotransmitter activity, which leads to tolerance, meaning more of the substance is needed to achieve the desired effect.
When someone with a dependence on substances like alcohol suddenly stops using, normal brain function rebounds, causing neurotransmitters to flood or diminish, leading to withdrawal symptoms. MAT helps manage these symptoms, offering a more stable path to long-term recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction
In the U.S., over 2.5 million individuals struggle with opioid addiction, whether from heroin or prescription painkillers. Every day, opioids claim the lives of 115 Americans, and the risk of relapse is especially high. Medication-assisted treatment significantly reduces this risk by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
MAT involves medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, which:
- Block the effects of opioids
- Reduce cravings
- Prevent withdrawal
- Help restore brain function affected by opioid dependence
Methadone: A long-standing treatment for opioid addiction, methadone activates opioid receptors more slowly than other opioids, reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal. It also blocks the effects of heroin and painkillers, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Methadone is dispensed daily through licensed clinics, making it a structured but effective treatment.
Buprenorphine: This partial opioid agonist activates opioid receptors but has a “ceiling effect,” meaning its potential for abuse is lower than methadone. It prevents withdrawal symptoms and can be prescribed for at-home use, making it more convenient for individuals. Buprenorphine is also available in implant form, delivering the drug for up to six months.
Naltrexone: Commonly available as Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone), naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing any effects from opioids like heroin or painkillers. It helps reduce cravings and is administered after detox to prevent relapse.
MAT for Alcohol Addiction
Around 15 million American adults have an alcohol addiction. Silver Ridge in North Carolina offers MAT for alcohol use disorder using medications like disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone.
Disulfiram: This medication discourages drinking by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. It’s most effective for those highly motivated to quit.
Acamprosate: Acamprosate helps balance neurotransmitters affected by alcohol abuse, reducing cravings and helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety.
Naltrexone: This medication, which also treats opioid addiction, reduces cravings for alcohol and minimizes its effects if consumed.
Detoxification at Silver Ridge
Detox is a crucial first step in recovery, as it safely removes the substance from the body. At Silver Ridge, we provide medical supervision during detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of our clients. Detox alone, however, is not a cure for addiction, which is why we offer comprehensive MAT programs that address both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
The Benefits of MAT
Research consistently shows that MAT is one of the most effective treatment modalities for opioid and alcohol addiction. It has been proven to:
- Reduce the risk of fatal overdose
- Increase engagement and retention in treatment
- Improve social functioning and reduce relapse
- Lower criminal activity associated with opioid abuse
- Enhance employment opportunities
- Decrease the risk of HIV and hepatitis C infection
At Silver Ridge in North Carolina, we are committed to providing individuals with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our MAT programs and begin your journey to healing.
